Saxophone Lessons in Barrington, NJ

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My methods vary greatly depending on the student's goals and experience. Through the first few years of study, an emphasis on the fundamentals of music and instrumental skills is required. This typically takes the form of a beginning method book. For students beyond this phase of study, advanced technique work takes the form of scale, chord, and interval studies. I couple these with the development of repertoire that fits the needs and goals of that student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I should start off by saying each student is unique, and since the lessons are one on one, my approach to each student will be unique. That being said, there are certain skill-sets and areas of focus that every student should learn. For complete beginners, I start off with technique. What is good posture? What is good hand position? How do you form a proper embouchure and produce a supported airstream? Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

A beautiful sound is the beginning of the creation of beautiful music! I find it most important to do work on a student's sound in the beginning stages of playing. To achieve the foundations of a good sound, playing pitches (beginning with A on alto) on the mouthpiece alone will develop the student's sound from the beginning as well as lay the foundations for a good embouchure. Doing this brings awareness to the students use of air by showing him/her the muscules used within and around the oral cavity in order to produce an optimal sound on the saxophone without developing bad habits that could be detrimental to a student's health. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I vary my methods according to student level, age, and practice habits. For example, for the advanced high school student I often mold my teachings around college audition requirements and all-state, regional band auditions. Otherwise, particularly for younger styudents, I am not very performance oriented. I think it is more important to learn to "play" at music rather than plan and prepare for multiple recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been an band and orchestra director for several decades and was director of  the brooklyn college big band for 4 years as a grad student.I am quite familiar with concert band,  jazz orchestra & symphonic as well as pop music repertoire .  I have a background of 8 years in percussion ensembles as well as having studied afro cuban, caribbean and indian music. I currently teach guitar, piano, saxaphone, clarinet, drum and percussion classes to children from 5-17 years olden have also taught a few children with autism and ADHD.  I can teach general music appreciation, history, theory, ear training,  and courses re: american music. I can conduct jazz band, symphonic, orchestra, rock band, pit orchestra or percussion ensemble classes as wells perform in musicals as pit drummer.  I  have had 40 years experience performing and directing orchestras in many music genres from broadway pit orchestra, big band jazz, pop,rock, latin, symphonic, military, percussion ensemble and more.  I love music and have performed in all kinds of music events from pop, symphony, opera, rock, big bands, broadway shows and national tours. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have been studying and playing music since I was 7. I began on saxophone in my school's concert band and jazz band proceded by my own musical endeavors on electric bass playing rock and jazz music. I spent high school gigging Philadelphia with The Paisley Haze Quintet. In my undergrad studies at University of Vermont, I picked up the upright bass, studying both jazz and classical styles. I became heavily active in the Burlington, VT music scene performing with such groups as: The Object Three, Nuevos Comediantes, Divine Lorraine, Anna Pardenik and the Holy Smoke-Off, Brass Balagan, Duke Aeroplane and the Wrong Numbers, and Grup Anwar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

While my lessons are catered to each individual student, each follows a general curriculum that I have developed over the years through teaching. Method books are a great structured way to quickly get confident on an instrument, however they don't often encourage listening skills or creativity. This is why I structure my lessons around particular method books like Rubank or Faber while providing additional pieces, exercises, and improvising to supplement the book. Read More